Note: This blog is one section of the Bryant’s Maritime Consulting website. Visit the site for more extensive maritime regulatory information. Individual concerns may be addressed by retaining Dennis Bryant directly. Much of the highlighted text in this newsletter constitutes links to Internet sites providing more detailed information. Links on this page may be in PDF format, requiring use of Adobe Acrobat Reader. Comments on these postings are encouraged and may be made by clicking the envelope that appears at the end of each posting. Be aware that the daily blog entry is a single posting, even though it contains a number of individual items. Look to the past, unless you want to see the future.

Port Canaveral – temporary closure due to bomb threat

The US Coast Guard issued a news release stating that it temporarily closed the port of Port Canaveral to marine traffic after a bomb threat was emailed to the casino boat in the port. The port was reopened after no signs of explosive devices were found, but closure delayed the departure of one cruise ship. (2/21/13).

OFAC – Iranian vessels

The Office of Foreign assets Control (OFAC) issued a notice containing the names and identifying information concerning 37 vessels identified as property owned or controlled by the Government of Iran and subject to economic sanctions. 78 Fed. Reg. 12420 (February 22, 2013).

Chukchi Sea – incidental taking of marine mammals

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued a notice stating that it received an application from ConocoPhillips Company for an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) to take marine mammals by harassment incidental to offshore exploration drilling on the outer continental shelf (OCS) in the Chukchi Sea during the 2014 Arctic open-water season. Comments on the application should be submitted by 25 March. 78 Fed. Reg. 12541 (February 22, 2013).

Weymouth Fore River – RNA proposed

The US Coast Guard proposes to establish a regulated navigation area (RNA) on the Weymouth Fore River in the vicinity of Weymouth and Quincy, Massachusetts until 31 December 2017 during bridge replacement operations. Comments on the proposal should be submitted by 23 April. 78 Fed. Reg. 12260 (February 22, 2013).

DOS – Shipping Coordinating Committee

The Department of State (DOS) issued a notice stating that it has renewed the charter of the Shipping Coordinating Committee (SHC) without significant substantive change. 78 Fed. Reg. 12411 (February 22, 2013).

USCG – Supervisory Marine Inspector sought

The US Coast Guard posted a Merit Promotion Announcement and a DEU Announcement stating that it seeks qualified applicants for the position of Supervisory Marine Inspector, GS-1801-13 in Miami, Florida. Applications must be received by 6 March. (2/19/13).

Alaska – Kulluk COTP order rescinded

The US Coast Guard issued a news release stating that the Captain of the Port (COTP) order restricting movement of the Conical Drilling Unit (CDU) Kulluk from Kiliuda Bay, Kodiak Island has been rescinded. The Coast Guard will monitor the movement of the Kulluk to Dutch Harbor. (2/21/13).

FMC – passenger compensation re Triumph fire

The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) issued two news releases related to the recent fire on the cruise ship Triumph. The first news release states that Carnival Cruise Line notified the FMC that it intends to compensate passengers who were onboard the cruise ship Triumph when an engine room fire occurred earlier this month. The second news release states that Carnival Cruise Line notified the FMC that it has cancelled several voyages of the cruise ship Triumph in light of the engine room fire and will provide compensation to affected passengers. (2/20/13).

BSEE – offshore decommissioning activities

The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) issued a press release stating that it continues to work with interested stakeholders on the issue of decommissioning and converting offshore infrastructure into artificial reefs. (2/20/13).

California – draft changes to spill regulations

The California Office of Spill Prevention and Response (OSPR) issued a notice stating that that it is proposing changes to its Drills and Exercises Regulations. Among other things, a requirement would be added for tank vessels and nontank vessels to test all drill objectives once every three years in California. The drill scenario must include an oil spill of sufficient size to adequately test all of the objectives, taking into account the Reasonable Worst Case Spill Volume of the vessel. (2/12/13). Note: this item was brought to my attention by my good friend Doug Larsen of Larsen Marine Services.

EP – offshore oil & gas operations

The European Parliament (EP) issued a press release stating that a provisional deal on proposed legislation for the safety of offshore oil and gas operations has been struck by MEPs and Council negotiators. Before oil and gas firms could get a license to drill, they would be required to submit major hazard reports and emergency response plans and prove their ability to remedy any environmental damage caused. The European Commission (EC) issued a press release supporting the political agreement. (2/21/13).

EC – LeaderSHIP 2020 strategy

The European Commission (EC) issued a news release stating that the new LeaderSHIP 2020 strategy to increase competitiveness of European maritime technology was presented. Its recommendations range from wider use of EU instruments to foster new skills, competence, and qualifications to Public Private Partnerships for new maritime research. (2/21/13).

Denmark – insurance for maritime claims

The Danish Maritime Authority (DMA) issued a news release reminding stakeholders of the requirement that vessels with a gross tonnage of or above 300 carry insurance for maritime claims. Danish vessels without a Certificate of Entry must inform the DMA annually about the insurance taken out. Covered foreign vessels calling at a Danish port or on the Danish continental shelf or carrying out activities in Danish territorial waters must also carry a certificate of insurance on board. (2/21/13).

Denmark – monitoring Arctic commercial navigation

The Danish Maritime Authority (DMA) issued a news release stating that, in collaboration with the University of Aalborg, it has constructed a satellite designed to monitor commercial navigation in the Arctic by tracking AIS signals. Arrangements have been made for launch of satellite by means of a rocket to be sent up from Chennai in India on 25 February. (2/21/13).

New Zealand – phased implementation of MOSS

Maritime New Zealand issued a media release stating that it is phasing in the implementation of the new Maritime Operator Safety System (MOSS) in the maritime sector, with operators coming into the new system from 1 July 2014. The proposed rules for MOSS are due for gazetting by 1 July 2013. (2/21/13).

Singapore – fee for PUB water to vessels in port

The Singapore Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) issued a circular stating that, effective 1 May, customers taking water from PUB (the Singapore Government public water utility) under the shipping category will have to pay a Waterborne Fee (WBF) currently set at $0.5607 (before GST) per cubic foot of water used. Port Marine Circular 02-2013 (2/20/13).

UK – guide to identifying genuine Admiralty products

The UK Hydrographic Office issued a Guide to identifying genuine Admiralty charts and publications. An increase has recently been seen in the number of counterfeit products. (2/19/13).

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In the February 2015 of Maritime Reporter and Engineering News, you can find my article entitled "Unfamiliar ships". In the article, I discuss the importance of mariners being familiar with the particular ship in which they are serving and the obligation of the owner/operator to ensure that ship's personnel are familiarized with their specific duties and with all ship arrangements, installations, equipment, procedures, and ship characteristics that are relevant to their routine or emergency duties prior to assuming those duties.